Birds

by Casey Ek

update

November 12, 2021

Whether it's the return of grassland birds to a once-homogenous cropland we've restored to prairie, or the adaptive behaviors of urban foxes and coyotes, the well-being of Minnesota's wildlife can serve as a window into our ecosystems as we strive to be better stewards of the land. Get to know a few of the critters who find habitat in FMR restoration sites. >>

MRCCA riverfront protections update: You made a difference!

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

January 10, 2021

Minneapolis is the first city with a new ordinance to guide riverfront development and protections, and thanks to our collective advocacy, their ordinance includes provisions for migrating birds. Will St. Paul and other communities follow suit? >>

Counting critters at Pine Bend Bluffs, our longest-running restoration

by Karen Schik

update

March 9, 2020

Over the last 20 years at Pine Bend Bluffs, we've converted a buckthorn forest to oak savanna and a Siberian elm canopy to prairie. Now we're monitoring the site to see how wildlife is responding. Read more

Will we see more bird-friendly glass in the future?

by Colleen O'Connor Toberman

update

December 13, 2019

Bird-safe building design is important in urban areas along major flyways like the Twin Cities. From bird deaths at the local U.S. Bank Stadium to new bird-safe guidelines in New York City, here's a summary of the latest news. >>

'Land conservation key to bringing back Minnesota bird population'

by sue rich

update

October 8, 2019

We didn't pay MPR to write that headline, but it's exactly the message we want people to understand. >>

Meet the loggerhead shrike, the rare butcher bird of FMR-restored prairies

by sue rich

update

August 29, 2019

This small, striking songbird is a fearsome prairie predator. Sadly, it's considered endangered in Minnesota. Read more

A loggerhead shrike perched on the tip of a bare branch, with a grassy field in the background.

Bird surveys reveal steady increases at FMR prairie restorations

by Karen Schik

article

December 7, 2018

Our land conservation team not only restores habitat, but monitors that habitat for wildlife data. After years of conducting breeding bird surveys at our prairie restoration sites, we can now see clear trends in increased number of species, especially species of greatest conservation need. >>